Mock Trial: A New Elective
The Urban School of San Francisco — You Period
A hands-on program where students learn to analyze evidence, construct arguments, and present a case in a simulated courtroom — culminating in real competition against other Bay Area schools through the SF County Mock Trial program.
What Students Develop
Critical Thinking
Break down complex facts, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build a theory of the case from raw materials — the same analytical rigor Urban brings to every classroom.
Public Speaking
Present arguments with confidence and clarity. Not debate-style speed — real persuasion and presence, the kind that translates to every stage of life.
Collaboration
Every trial is a team effort. Students learn to divide roles, prepare together, and support each other under pressure — building trust across grade levels.
Want to see exactly what students will do each week?
View the full curriculum →Why Mock Trial at Urban
Urban's pillars — voice, agency, and academic challenge — are exactly what mock trial demands. This program puts those values into action in a way few electives can.
Builds confidence speaking in high-pressure, real-world situations
Strengthens analytical reasoning and evidence-based argumentation
Teaches students to advocate — first for a position, then for themselves
Strong extracurricular for college applications
Develops poise, listening, and quick thinking under pressure
Fosters teamwork and leadership across grade levels
Logistics
Schedule
When: Tuesdays — You Period
Terms: Fall & Winter trimesters
Spring: Second case & competition (TBD)
Competition: SF County Mock Trial (Jan–Feb)
Details
Size: 8–12 students
Grades: Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors preferred; Freshmen welcome
Experience: None required — just curiosity and commitment
Your Coach
Erik Knuppel — Former trial and appellate attorney. Adjunct professor of trial advocacy at UC Law San Francisco (2010–present) and Golden Gate University School of Law (2011–2020). 20+ competition teams coached at the national level including ABA Nationals and the TYLA National Trial Competition. Founded GavelStats, a mock trial analytics platform licensed to the ABA and law schools nationwide. Parent in the Urban community.